Steam and dampening iron



United States Patent STEAM AND DAR/[PENING IRON Continuation of abandoned application Serial No. 603,695, July 7, 1945. This application April 27, 1953, Serial No. 351,435

6 Claims. c1. 38--77) The present invention relates generally to pressing irons, and particularly to pressing irons of the steam generating type adapted to discharge substantially dry steam, a mixture of steam and water, or atomized water.

This application is a continuation of my copending application Serial No. 603,695, filed July 7, 1945, for Steam and Dampening iron, now abandoned, and in general, represents improvements over the construction disclosed in my U. S. Patent No. 2,387,757, issued October 30, 1945.

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a novel steam and dampening iron adapted for use either as a dry iron or as a steam generating iron.

It is another object of the invention to provide a novel steam and dampening iron adapted to discharge substantially dry steam, a mixture of steam and water, or atomized water to the material to be ironed.

It is another object of the invention to provide a novel steam and dampening iron in which obstructions in the fluid distributing passages may be quickly and easily dislodged.

Another object is to provide a novel steam and dampening iron incorporating a combination safety valve and water inlet.

Another object is to provide a novel steam and dampening iron incorporating sequentially operable safety devices including a signaling device.

Another object is to provide a novel steam and dampening iron having a single heating element adapted to heat both the sole plate and the boiler, a greater portion of the heat being directed to the boiler.

The foregoing and additional objects and advantages will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal medial sectional view of a steam and dampening iron constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, portions of the view being shown in elevation;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view ofthe iron of Fig. 1, a combination safety valve and water inlet being shown in sec- Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken generally along the line 3-3 of Fig. 1; t

Fig. 4 is a fragmentarybottom plan view of the iron of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 5 is a sectional view showing a modified form of control device which may be substituted in the iron of Fig. 1.

Referring to the drawings more particularly by means of reference numerals, 1 designates a sole plate having a planar bottom surface and a more or less conventional peripheral outline as is apparent from the drawing. A shallow box-like cavity 2 is formed in the upper portion of the sole plate 1 for the accommodation of an electrical heating element 3 and insulating plates or sheets 4 and 4". It will be understood that the sheet 4", disposed on top of the heating element 3, has somewhat greater heat conductivity than the pad 4 disposed beneath the heating element 3, thus enabling a greater proportion of the heat to be conducted upwardly toward a steam generating boiler disposed above the sole plate 1 as will appear. The heating element 3 is provided with electrical leads 5' which communicate with an electric plug outlet 6 through terminals 6'.

The forward portion of the sole plate 1 beyond the cavity 2 is provided with fluid distributing passages as clearly indicated in Figs. l, 3 and 4 of the drawings. Thus, there is a main discharge opening '7, preferably tapered at its lower end as shown. Communicating with the opening 7 is a continuous passage 8 which extends along the forward side walls 8' of the sole plate and which is thus adapted to discharge fiuid through a plurality of perforations 8" which constitute discharge outlets in the lower planar surface of the sole plate 1.

A container or boiler 9 having a bottom wall 10 con forming to the upper peripheral outline of the sole plate 1 is secured to the latter by means of screws 11 so as to make compressive heat conducting contact with the electrical insulating sheet 4". The boiler 9 is in the form of a closed vessel adapted to contain water and steam under pressure and is provided at its upper forward end with a raised portion or boss 12 having a threaded opening 13 therethrough. A screw plug 14 is adapted to close the threaded opening 13.

The opening 13 is in vertical alignment with the main steam discharge opening 7 in the sole plate 1 so as at least partially to accommodate a tube or pipe 15 inserted upwardly through a threaded opening 16 provided in the bottom wall 10 of the boiler 9. The pipe 15', adapted to communicate with the opening 7, receives a nozzle 17 provided with a very minute perforation 115, this member 17 being removably screwed into the lower end of the pipe 15. Screw driver slots 19 are provided in the nozzle 17 to facilitate removal and replacement of this element.

Additional very minute perforations 211 are provided near the upper end of the pipe 15, and a bushing 21 hav ing an opening 21' therethrough is preferably screwed into the top of the pipe 15, although satisfactory operation may be had without restricting the top of the pipe 15.

As clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the boiler 9 is provided with an enclosure 22 which partitions off an interior portion of the boiler in the vicinity of the opening 13, and it will be noted that the upper portion of the pipe 15 containing the perforations 20 is disposed in the enclosure thus formed. The enclosing wall 22 includes a depending sleeve-like portion 22 which surrounds the central portion of the pipe 15, it being understood, however, that the relative outside diameter of the pipe 15 and inside diameter of the sleeve-like portion 22' are such as to enable water to flow upwardly through the sleeve 22 into the enclosed space thereabove. An opening 23 is provided in the rear portion of the wall 22, this opening being located well above the normal maximum water level in the boiler 9. A guard wall 23 is disposed so as to extend horizontally from the wall 22 and serves to prevent any appreciable volume of water entering the hole 23 during normal use of the iron.

A small perforation at the extreme forward end of the enclosure 22 is closed by a spring loaded ball valve 24 retained by a screw plug 24. A small downwardly extending opening in the spring chamber serves to discharge any fluid passing the ball valve 24 in a downward direction. While this arrangement clearly serves as a safety valve, it is primarily intended as a signaling device to indicate that normal operating steam pressure has been developed within the boiler 9.

It may be noted here that the removal of the screw plug 24 and the ball valve 24 will provide access to the openings 20 in the pipe 15 for the purpose of cleaning the latter. Additionally, the opening 21' in the plug 21 may be cleaned by removing the plug 14 from the opening 13. The minute perforation 13 in the nozzle 17 may, of course, be reached through the discharge opening 7 in the sole plate 1.

A combined filling and safety assembly 26 is mounted on the top wall of the boiler 9 and serves both as a safety steam outlet and as a water inlet for the boiler. Fluid flow through the assembly 26 is controlled by a frustoconical valve 26" disposed in a fluid flow passage which extends from the interior of the boiler 9 to a filler opening 27. As best shown in Fig. 2, the valve 26" is disposed in a cylindrical opening 28 which extends from a partition wall 28" to a funnel or spout 29 formed in the filler opening 27. The wall portion 28" is provided with an accurately formed valve seat 30, and ,the opposite end of the cylindrical portion 28 is provided with an integral guide 31 having an opening 33 therethrough for slidably receiving a valve stem 34 secured to the valve 26". A

compression spring 35 is interposed between the valve 26" and the guide 31 and serves to bias the valve 26 towards its seat 30.

A handle 36 is formed at the free end of the valve stem 34 and is adatped to cooperate with a cam 3.6 formed at the end of the funnel or spout 29. Clearly, the arrangement is such that manual rotation of the crank 36 along the earn as will cause the valve 26 to be displaced axially from or towards the valve seat 39.

in use, the steam and dampening iron above described is prepared by first turning the crank handle 36 to a high point on the cam 36' so as to lift the valve 26" off its seat 3i}, filling the boiler 9 with water to approximately the height of the guard wall 23, the water being introduced through the flared spout or funnel 29, and then turning the handle 36 to the lowest point on the cam 36 so as to enable the spring 35 to seat the valve 26". The contents of the boiler 9 may then be heated through electrical energization of the heating element 3 by current applied through the plug 6 and the terminals 6. as is conventional. As has been previously indicated, this energization of the heating element 3 will heat both the lower surface of the sole plate 1 and the contents of the boiler 9, the greater proportion of heat, however, going to the boiler 9 due to the greater heat conductivity of the insulating sheet 4" as compared to the sheet 4.

As the temperature of the water is increased, steam will form in the upper portion of the boiler '9 and, upon the attainment of an appropriate steam pressure for operation, the ball valve 24 will be displaced so as to enable .7

a small amount of steam to issue from the outlet 25. An audible whistle will be heard which will signify to the operator that the iron is ready for use.

Steam formed in the upper portion of the boiler 9 will enter the enclosure 22 by way of the opening 23 and will travel through any or all of the openings 20, 21 and 21 to the interior of the pipe and thence downwardly through the minute perforation 18 into the main discharge opening 7 in the sole plate 1. A portion of the steam emerging into the opening 7 will, of course, be discharged upon the material being ironed; the remainder. however, will enter the channels 8 and be discharged through the several perforations 8". The material to be treated may thus be steamed as well as pressed by appriate sliding movement of the iron thereover. With the iron held fiat upon the material, only substantially dry steam will be directed upon the material inasmuch as the normal water level in the boiler is below the lowest open ing in the pipe 15 and since the enclosure 22. prevents water from flowing or splashing into any of the openings in the upper portion of the pipe 15. The guard wall 23 serves to prevent water being splashed through the opening 23 in the enclosure 22 and the sleeve 22' fits sufliciently closely to the pipe 15 so as to prevent undesired rise or Water into the enclosure. When, however, it is, de-

4 sired to discharge a greater amount of moisture onto the material being treated, the operator may lift the iron oil the material and tilt the forward end downwardly so as to cause water to rise through the sleeve 22' into the enclosed space thereabove and to, enter one or more of the minute perforations 2%) in the pipe 15. When held at an appropriate tilted angle, the iron will discharge an atomized mixture of steam and water, the water entering the pipe '15 through the perforation 20 and the steam being introduced into the top of the pipe 15 through the perforation 21 in the plug 21. This use of the iron obviously results in a substantially greater rate of discharge of moisture than when substantially dry steam alone is discharged therefrom.

When a maximum .dampeningeffect is desired, the iron may be tilted still more so as to immerse the upper end of the pipe 15 including the plug 21, whereupon only water will be discharged upon the material being treated.

Fig. 5 depicts a modified form of control device which may be substituted for the pipe 15 and connected parts shown in Fig. 1. This modification comprises a pipe 44 in the lower end of which is secured a nozzle member 44". The lower end of the pipe 44 is flared, as at 45, for a purpose to appear. The member 44" has a central vertical aperture 46 adapted to receive a valve element as will also appear.

The upper end of the pipe .44 is formed to serve as a valve stem guide 47. Immediately below the guide portion 47 the pipe 44 has a perforation 48 adapted to serve as a steam inlet, and at a still lower level in the pipe 44 a plurality of openings 49 are provided to serve as water inlets.

A bushing 50 having its lower end externally tapered and its upper end internally tapered is provided for en gagement with the upper end of the pipe 44. The internally tapered upper end provides a receptacle for stuffing material 51 retained by an aperture stuffing nut 52 threadedly engaging the bushing 50. There is thus provided a stufling box assembly for a valve stem 53. The bushing 50 has internal threads 54 for engagement with the guide portion 47 of the pipe 44.

It will be noted that the valve stem 53 threadedly engages the guide portion 47, this being for vertical adjustment of the stem 53 in the pipe 44. An operating knob or handle 55 is provided at the top of the stem 53. At its lower end, the stem 53 is provided with a stub 56 of reduced diameter which extends freely through the aperture 46 in the nozzle member 44". This construction serves not only to guide the lower end of the valve stem 53, but also to prevent clogging of the minute opening 46.

A shoulder 57 formed at the juncture of the stub 56 and the main body of the valve stem 53 is adapted to engage a seat portion 57' of the nozzle 44" being thereby adapted to close the aperture 46.

A screw driver slot 58 is provided in the flared end 45 of the pipe 44 for securing the latter into position, and a screw driver slot 59 is provided at the lower end of the nozzle member 44, to facilitate the insertion of this member into the lower end of the pipe 44.

In substituting the modified device of Fig. 5 for the corresponding control device illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3, slight modifications are required in the boiler 9. Thus, whereas the boss portion 12 at the upper front end of the boiler 9 has been previously disclosed as being provided with internal threads for accommodation of the plug 14, employment of the modified control device of Fig. -5 will require the boss 12 to have .a tapered interior frusto-conical surface complementary with the lower end of the bushing 50. This may, of course, be done by forming the interior of the boss portion 12 to such shape or by providing an appropriate bushing to be inserted in place of the plug 14. Similarly, the threaded opening v 16 in the bottom wall of the boiler 9 will be reformed to provide an appropriate surface complementary with the flared portion 45 at thelower end of .the pipe 44. With these modifications, the pipe 44 may be inserted upwardly through the opening 16 and the stuffing box assembly may be disposed upon its seat in the boss 12, the parts of the modified control device then being screwed together so as to make steam tight joints at the upper and lower ends of the pipe 44.

Substitution of the modified control device of Fig. 5 does not change the previously described manner of manipulating the iron to provide various degrees of dampening, inasmuch as the location of the opening 48 with respect to the openings 49 corresponds generally with the relative location of the opening 21 and the openings 20 in the illustration of Fig. 1. It will be under stood, however, that employment of the device of Fig. 5 permits use of the iron for dry pressing, even though the boiler 9 may be filled with water, merely by screwing the valve stem 53 down so as to engage the shoulder 57 with the seat 57.

The iron of the present invention may be provided with an additional safety steam outlet comprising a steam chamber 60 provided at the upepr rear end of the boiler 9. As shown, the steam chamber 60 has a tapered opening 61 which communicates with the steam space in the boiler 9, and which is adapted to be closed by a tapered valve member 62. The valve 62 has a stem 63 which extends upwardly through an opening 64 in a plate 64' closing the upper end of the chamber 60. The opening 64 is preferably formed to receive packing material which is retained by a bracket 65. Both the plate 64' and the bracket 65 may be formed as elements in a handle 65' secured to the boiler 9 by means of bolts or screws 66. Thus, as clearly shown in Fig. 1, the valve stem 63 extends up into the handle 65 and is provided with a handle 67 which extends through a slot 68 in the handle 65'. The purpose of the handle 67 is to enable the operator manually to lift the valve 62 ofi of a seat 68 formed in the opening 61. A compression spring 69 disposed about the valve stem 63 and between the valve 62 and the plate 64 normally holds the valve 62 against the seat 68'.

Steam above a predetermined pressure in the boiler 9 will obviously displace the valve 62 so as to communicate the steam space in the boiler 9 with the interior of the chamber 60 and hence through an outlet 70 formed to discharge the steam downwardly away from the operators hand. The operation of the valve may be tested at any time by manually lifting up on the handle 67.

Clearly, there has been provided a steam and dampening iron which fulfills the objects and advantages sought therefor.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description and the accompanying drawing have been given by way of illustration and example. It is also to be understood that changes in form of the elements, rearrangement of parts, and substitutions of equivalent elements, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art, are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

1. A dampening and pressing iron comprising a pressing surface, a steam boiler having a steam space and a water space, said steam space being above said water space, means for heating said pressing surface and water in said boiler to produce steam, conducting means having separate water and steam inlets for admitting water and steam thereinto, a discharge outlet in said conducting means for atomizing the mixture of steam and water therein and for directing said atomized mixture of steam and water to the material to be ironed, said water and steam inlets being both disposed in said steam space above said water space and so positioned therein that water will enter said water inlet while steam enters through said steam inlet, said water inlet being positioned later- 6 ally of a. central axis of said iron and said steam inlet being spaced a distance from said water inlet, so that when said iron is tilted downwardly about said axis and in the direction of said water inlet atomized steam and water will be discharged through said discharge outlet.

2. A steam and dampening iron comprising a pressing surface, a steam boiler having a steam space and a water space, said steam space being above said water space, means for heating said pressing surface and water in said boiler to produce steam, conduit means having separate water and steam inlets for admitting water and steam thereinto, a discharge outlet in said conduit means for atomizing the mixture of steam and water therein and for conducting said atomized mixture of steam and water to the material to be ironed, said discharge outlet being sufliciently restricted to retain sufficient steam pressure in said boiler to atomize said mixture passing therethrough, said water and steam inlets being both disposed in said steam space above said water space, said water inlet being positioned above said steam inlet and laterally of a central axis of said iron so that when the iron is on even keel, as while ironing, steam will enter said conduit means through both of said inlets and be conducted to the material to be ironed through said discharge outlet for steaming the material, and when the iron is lifted off the material and tilted downwardly about said axis and in the direction of said water inlet, both water and steam will enter said conduit means to be discharged as an atomized mixture of steam and water through said discharge outlet for dampening the material to be ironed.

3. A dampening device including a steam boiler having a steam space and a water space and means for heating the water in said boiler to produce steam, means having steam and water inlets for admitting steam and water into said second mentioned means to mix the water with the steam, to atomize the water, said means being positioned laterally of a central axis of said boiler, a discharge outlet communicating with said second mentioned means for conducting said atomized water to the material to be ironed, said discharge outlet being restricted to further atomize the water passing through said outlet, said steam and water inlets extending above the water level and up in the steam space of said boiler and so positioned in said second mentioned means, that water will enter said second mentioned means through one of said inlets and steam through said steam inlet when said boiler is tilted from a normal position to a position downwardly on said side of the axis and in the direction of said second mentioned means for dampening clothing, said water inlet being restricted to allow only suflicient water to enter said second mentioned means to properly atomize the water and steam.

4. A pressing iron comprising, in combination, a pressing surface having an opening therein and means for discharging fiuid through said opening, said means compris ing a steam generating assembly disposed above said surface, said steam generating assembly including first and second enclosures adapted to contain both water and steam, a fluid conducting pipe for delivering fluid from said generating assembly to said opening, said fluid con-- ducting pipe having an upper inlet and a lower inlet for selective admission of steam, steam and water or water thereinto, said upper and lower inlets being disposed within said second enclosure, and means communicating different levels of said first enclosure with said sec-ond en closure, whereby steam and water may be introduced simultaneously from said first enclosure to said second enclosure.

5. The combination of claim 4 wherein said first and second mentioned enclosures have a common wall containing an aperture for communicating the second mentioned chamber with an upper level of the first mentioned chamber, and wherein said second mentioned chamber is provided with a downwardly extending tubular extension for 7 communicating the second mentioned. chamber with a: lower levelof the first mentioned chamber.

6. The combination of claim 5 wherein the common wall is provided with a laterally extending guard member disposed vertically below said aperture and at a level substantially above the lower end of said tubular extension.

Reliereuces Cited in the. file of thisv patent Theilgaard, Apr. 7, 1942 Carlson July 7, 1942 Ekstedt Feb. 16, 1943 Hoecker Oct. 30, 1945 Busch et a1. Apr. 29, 1947 

